Surgery successfully completed on victim of shark attack in South Padre

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX — We have an update on Tabatha Sullivent, the mother who was attacked by a shark off the beaches of South Padre Island. She underwent surgery yesterday, with the remaining muscle wrapped around the exposed bone in her calf area. “The doctor said he is confident they can save her leg,” said an update on a GoFundMe page that has raised over $20,000. The next surgery, a skin graft, is scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday.

South Padre Island authorities suspect four shark attacks were caused by a single 6-foot-long shark. Island Fire Chief Jim Pigg said three victims were hospitalized and the fourth victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries. He said the shark likely left the beach and moved to deeper waters, according to the Express-News.

Sullivent said her husband, Cary, was in the water with her when the shark appeared.

“(He) punched the shark and probably stopped it from eating me for lunch. He also has a few shark bites and was released yesterday,” Tabatha Sullivent wrote on her GoFundMe page.

The Sullivents were on South Padre Island to celebrate significant family events. “They were celebrating their youngest daughter’s 15th birthday and our friend’s son’s marriage proposal to his girlfriend earlier this week when they were unfortunately attacked,” the GoFundMe page states.